Juggling family life and career can pose a daunting challenge, especially for working mothers. Now imagine that career being the front-woman of a world renowned symphonic metal band.

Simone Simons is that woman and Epica are that band.

The 31-year-old mezzo-soprano has fronted the Dutch 6-piece since 2002. They have produced 6 studio albums, combining cinematic musical scores with heavy metal (from the softer side to the uncompromisingly brutal).

It's a winning combination that has awarded the band a legion of loyal fans around the globe.

Epica were in Sydney last week as part of the Australia/New Zealand leg of a 120-date tour that's seen them play to audiences across North and South America, Europe, New Zealand, Indonesia and China.

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Last time Epica played Australia, Simons rocked the stage with a 6 month baby belly. Today, sitting down with HuffPost Australia for a video interview before the bands soundcheck, the 31-year-old talks motherhood, metal and what it takes to last the distance as a woman in the male-dominated world of heavy metal.

Epica are currently recording their seventh album. Find out more at the bands official website.

Simone Simons writes about beauty, food and travel at her blog Smoonstyle.